Video Respite

This series of videos was designed to actively engage memory-impaired persons in dialogue, conversation, singing and simple exercises.

  • Gonna Do A Little Music (1993, 53 min/59 min—different sources list different run times) While playing the guitar and autoharp, Marianne engages viewers in singing familiar songs and discussing memories related to topics such as love, music lessons, family gatherings and childhood friends. Light-hearted songs like "Skip to My Lou" and "You Are My Sunshine" provide the backing for sing-a-longs, hand, arm and leg movements and pleasant memories. This tape will hold the viewers' attention and will get them toe-tapping, humming and singing along. Purchase: $69.95 Rental: $22. (Terra Nova Films) OR Purchase: $65.95. (Health Professions Press)
  • Ladies...Let's Chat (1994, 40 minutes) Designed particularly for use with women. Diane chats about topics such as preparing meals, dressing up with hats, courtship days and children. Tied to these discussions are songs of related topics including such favorites as "Put On Your Old Grey Bonnet" and "Over The River and Through The Woods.” Joining Diane for this visit are her grandchildren -- ages seven, three and one. Together they visit with the viewer and join in on some fun songs and activities like "Eensy Weensy Spider,” "Hickory Dickory Dock,” and, of course, "Old MacDonald.” Purchase: $69.95 Rental: $22. (Terra Nova Films) OR Purchase: $61. (Health Professions Press)
  • Let’s Go to Church (2002, 60 minutes) Residents and clients experiencing moderate to advanced dementia will be reassured and calmed by the strains of old, familiar hymns performed on guitar by a friendly pastor in this 60-minute video. Viewers are encouraged to sing along and move with the music, to share an uplifting prayer and to reminisce about their churchgoing days. This engaging video will provide repeated entertainment and solace for frail or confused elders who are unable to participate in religious services. Purchase: $64 (Health Professions Press)
  • Lunchbreak with Tony (1994, 25 minutes) In a program oriented toward men, Tony visits with the viewer during his workbreak. He discusses work days, work companions, first cars and first loves, family and the tools in his toolbox. Combined with this visit are a variety of songs related to the topics like "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" and "Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” Tony's dog, Sparky, joins him toward the end of the visit. Tony is a friendly, energetic man who is sure to engage each viewer with fun-filled memories. Purchase: $69.95 Rental: $22. (Terra Nova Films)
  • Movement, Music and Memories (1996, 45 minutes) Sharing stories and songs from childhood, Cathy encourages viewers in some simple movements (stretching, walking and marching ) along with some favorite songs of the past like "Ring Around the Rosie" and “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree.” Gentle stretching is encouraged by remembering what it is like picking apples "In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree.” Viewers are invited to share a game of kickball with a cute boy by kicking their own feet. An appearance by a lamb adds a special element to remembering a favorite childhood song, "Mary Had a Little Lamb.” Familiar songs like "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" and "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" are also included with appropriate movements. Purchase: $69.95 Rental: $22. (Terra Nova Films) OR Purchase: $63.50 (Health Professions Press)
  • Remembering When (1994, 25 minutes) This video visit engages viewers in memories of when they were growing up. Songs and memories of school days and routines such as the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance begin this reminiscence. Memories of city and country life along with a brief recall of the Roaring Twenties are also included. "When Irish Eyes are Smiling,” "Hello My Baby,” and other popular songs will brighten this walk down memory lane. Purchase: $69.95 Rental: $22. (Terra Nova Films)
  • Sharing Favorite Things (1996, 38 minutes) Joyce talks about a variety of familiar things such as babies, vegetable gardens and animals. Centered on growing up, the presentation raises memories of hometown and parents. She introduces the viewer to a one-year old baby who is having a birthday. Joyce invites the viewer to join her in singing happy birthday. Other favorite things include animal noises, light arm and leg exercises and entertaining sing-alongs with “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” Purchase: $69.95 Rental: $22. (Terra Nova Films) OR Purchase: $57.75. (Health Professions Press)
  • Those Good Ole School Days (1998, 50 minutes) Viewers will be reminded of long walks to school, games, trips to the candy store and even spoonfuls of castor oil as they fondly remember the school days of their youth. Laughter and period songs help prompt memories, pleasant thoughts and light movement. Purchase: $57.75. (Health Professions Press)
  • A Yankee Doodle Dandy Time (1994, 30 minutes) Becky recalls and prepares for a Fourth of July celebration. One of her party decorations -- the American Flag -- helps jog memories of patriotism and songs like "It's A Grand Old Flag" and "Yankee Doodle.” Even Becky's cat joins in on the patriotic visit. Purchase: $69.95 Rental: $22. (Terra Nova Films)